I thought I was on the edge of the world. Have you ever seen the movie August Rush? I felt a bit like Evan. Everything around me was becoming one symphonic song. I was so glad I’d left chores and work for a moment to step outside. After a warm January (temperatures hung around or above freezing, which just about turned the roads into skating rinks), my nostrils and lungs fought to adapt to the tingle of the cold. My gloved hand rested on the back of the hand-hewn log bench, and I looked out over the fog that draped the city in soft white. The banter of two dogs echoed up the walls of the canyon in front of me. As I drew my fingers toward me, I was startled to hear a faint tinkling chime. I looked down to see that my movement was knocking over tiny ice crystals on the wood, creating a song for only the most careful listener. The frozen grasses poking through the ground’s covering of snow swayed and rustled, adding a soft cadence to the tune.

With my head turned downward, I missed seeing the first raven that flew over my head, but I heard it. The long black wings made a resounding whoosh rather than a gentle flap or flutter. Right as I lifted my eyes, another one flew over me. I waited, and my ears told me more were coming. They came in pairs, first calling to each other with their many unique calls. They spread their wings with quiet grace and propelled themselves farther up the mountainside. These curious, intelligent, playful, and mesmerizing creatures seemed to alight on my backyard trees just long enough to serenade me. Then they continued their nightly pilgrimage to roost away from the bustle and noise of the city. I reluctantly turned to go inside, but I knew I would replay the symphony of an Alaskan evening all night long.

(I found THIS VIDEO and wanted to share it so you could hear some of the sounds ravens make. My favorite sound, not included in this clip, is the water-drip sound these birds make. I have heard nothing like it from any other bird, and it really does sound just like a big, fat drip of water!)

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I have never thought of the creaking and crackling of ice as music before... but I will now. Thanks.

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Mary Anne Brady

2/10/2015 08:24:59 am

Robert, isn't it amazing what sounds we can discover in nature when we really pay attention? Thanks for visiting!

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Lisa

2/9/2015 01:04:54 pm

Did you take that picture Mary Anne? I love seeing your photography! It's beautiful!

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Mary Anne Brady

2/10/2015 08:25:45 am

Lisa, yes, I took both! Thank you! Alaska is so photogenic. :)

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Lisa

2/17/2015 03:50:51 am

thats so awesome, love to see more of it! :)

Allie

2/9/2015 02:15:17 pm

This is beautiful... I myself often need that break from routines and the hustle to just stop, listen, and see the beauty that is in our world.
I loved the video, too! I've never heard a raven before. They make so many different sounds, and not what you would except, either.

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Mary Anne Brady

2/10/2015 08:26:53 am

Allie, I agree completely. And I know that every place has beauty just waiting to be discovered by those who will stop, listen, and look.

Ravens are so unique! They've become one of my favorite creatures up here.

Great stuff, Mary Anne. I can't wait to read more of your posts in the future.

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Mary Anne Brady

2/10/2015 08:27:23 am

Thanks for sharing your love of Alaska with me! :)

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Susan Knoedler

2/9/2015 08:49:26 pm

Mary Anne this is beautiful. Took me right back to those days we were there! Thank you!

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Mary Anne Brady

2/10/2015 08:27:58 am

I'm so glad my post stirred memories! Thanks for reading it!

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joanna story

2/10/2015 01:00:39 am

Thank you Mary Anne, this lovely piece took me home again for a time!

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Mary Anne Brady

2/10/2015 08:28:20 am

Alaska stays in the blood, doesn't it? :)

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Hello!

I'm a mom of twins, published author, editor, amateur photographer, and nature enthusiast with an unlimited supply of curiosity. Come discover the little wonders I find during my everyday life in Alaska.